[2] The monastery was built in the 13th century adjacent to a cemetery, but it was rebuilt between 1618 and 1634 in its present location, with Venetian influences in its architectural design and adornments.

Evidence of this last attack can be evidenced today by the remaining cannonball lodged in the seaside monastery wall.

[1][3] During World War II the monastery was partly destroyed by German bombing and it became one of the most important areas of Cretan resistance to Nazi Germany.

[1] Today, the monastery and its museum contain numerous Byzantine artifacts from the 15th to the 17th centuries, including Cretan icons by Parthenios, Andreas Ritzos, and Neilos.

[3] It also has numerous relics and other rare religious treasures from the Byzantine period, and ancient inscriptions on the walls.